The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
Stephanie reflects on how the death of her father, cartoonist Mel Calman, propelled her not so much into adulthood as into accountancy.
BBC Foreign Correspondent Jonathan Charles, who has spent the past two decades journeying to some of the most far-flung parts of the world, reflects on whether travel really does broaden the mind.
The island is the UK's hotspot for the bird of prey with sulphur yellow legs and a light and wafty demeanour in flight. Lionel Kelleway wanders the hills and enjoys the closest of encounters near a nest with three thriving chicks.
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
Timothy West appeals on behalf of the Living Paintings Trust. Donations: Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144.
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
60 years ago, the World Council of Churches met for the first time in Amsterdam. Rev Myra Blyth, Director of Humanitarian and Refugee Services of the World Council, leads an act of worship that reflects the joys, sorrows and achievements of the last six decades.
With Dame Mary Tanner, WCC president from Europe, and students and staff of the Ecumenical Institute.
News and conversation about the big stories of the week with Paddy O'Connell.
Sue MacGregor presents the series which reunites a group of people intimately involved in a moment of modern history.
She gathers together five people who were involved in a truly epic expedition, the first ever circumnavigation of the globe via the North and South Poles.
Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Panellists include Clement Freud and Paul Merton.
Sophie Grigson presents the food magazine. She explains why pears are the perfect fruit.
David Frost and guests look back at some of the most memorable interviews of his long career. Guests include Max Hastings and Charles Kennedy.
Pippa Greenwood, Anne Swithinbank and Bob Flowerdew answer questions from gardeners in Dorset.
The series on gardening fundamentals continues with Pippa Greenwood and Chris Beardshaw explaining how to create a lawn from scratch.
Laurence Llewelyn Bowen explores the history of our homes from the 1920s to the present day.
Skills were in short supply after World War II and DIY was presented as an essential and democratic component of every marriage.
Chris Dolan's dramatisation of Honore de Balzac's entertaining tale of family rivalry and fortunes lost and won, set in 19th-century France.
Philippe's gambling has left his family destitute and his political activities have landed him in jail. His mother and brother seek financial help from a rich elderly relative, but a pretty young housekeeper and her lover have already laid plans to rob the old man of his money.
Narrator ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Philippe Bridau ...... Thomas Arnold
Joseph Bridau ...... Mathew Pidgeon
Agathe Bridau ...... Briony McRoberts
Flore Brazier ...... Lucy Paterson
Jean-Jacques Rouget ...... Timothy Bateson
Desroches ...... Jon Glover
Monsieur Hochon ...... Christian Rodska
Madame Hochon ...... Colette O'Neil
Max Gilet ...... Alan Cox
Baruch ...... Nyasha Hatendi
Fario ...... Chris Pavlo
One of Britain’s most successful historical novelists, Philippa Gregory, talks to Muriel Gray about her new novel, The Other Queen. Based on the life of Mary Queen of Scots, Muriel finds out why Mary is so studied, and where Philippa will be looking next for inspiration.
Inspired by a scene in the film Sex In The City, Pan McMillan has released a book of love letters written by historical figures. Muriel is joined by writer Frances Wilson to discuss whether other people’s letters are worth reading, and to ask whether a great man automatically writes great love letters.
Max Blecher was a Romanian novelist who contracted tuberculosis of the spine, and spent the last ten years of his life in sanitoria before dying in 1938 at the age of 29. His book Scarred Hearts concerns a Romanian student of chemistry in Paris, who also contracts tuberculosis of the spine) and spends a year in a sanatorium, his body wrapped in a plaster body cast. Paul Bailey talks to Muriel to explain why this ‘lost masterpiece’ deserves further attention.
Do you know the fastest growing sector in publishing? Perhaps surprisingly, it is the sector of graphic novels. Danny Fingeroth, author of The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels, and Naomi Alderman, author and graphic novel fan, talk about their favourites.
BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with Coward, the Poet.
A regularly overlooked aspect of Noel Coward's remarkable career is the significant amount of poetry he wrote throughout his life. Friends and fans including Anna Massey, Imogen Stubbs, Alastair McGowan discuss a selection of his poems, offering a unique insight into a deeper and somewhat darker aspect of Coward's personal life.
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Concern grows over the whereabouts of Czechoslovak leader Alexander Dubcek.
Geoff Adams-Spink looks at hate crimes against the disabled. In spite of some disturbing high-profile cases, the criminal justice system is failing to address the problem and apply the law. Recent legislation gave courts the power to increase sentences in cases when a crime can be demonstrated to have been motivated by hostility towards someone's disability. In reality, this sentencing provision has hardly ever been used.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
Liz Barclay presents a selection of highlights from the past week on BBC radio.
After church, Alan discusses the forthcoming Hindu wedding ceremony with Clarrie, whose mind is elsewhere, thinking about Will. She hasn't heard from him, and is trying to keep busy by taking an extra shift at the Bull.
Bert calls in at the Bull with some mange touts that he's promised Clarrie. She doesn't have anything that he wants to swap them for, so decides to write Bert an IOU - he can redeem it when she's got something he wants.
Later, Bert calls in at the Vicarage. He's after a cutting from Usha's garden but finds Alan wearing very short wedding trousers. He makes some unhelpful comments, telling him he'll need to get them altered, and time's running out!
Tom calls in at Home Farm to see Brian. He'd like to discuss a proposal, but Brian's going out, so tells him to come back later. When Tom returns, he presents Brian with his solution - Brian could buy him out of the business. Brian flatly refuses - he invested in Tom when his family wouldn't. He tells Tom that making the business organic so it could be run out of Bridge Farm doesn't make financial sense. Despite Tom's best efforts, Brian dismisses Tom's proposals.
Barney Harwood presents the children's magazine. He meets a couple of wizards who teach him some magic spells. At the Movieum of London, he comes face to face with icons from the set of Star Wars. Natalie Barrass finds out what it takes to make a film from some young nominees in the First Light Movie Awards, while Barney meets a 15-year-old girl who won a BAFTA last year for her CBBC meandmymovie feature.
In Tobias Hill's retelling of the fable, Wayland encounters a mysterious swan-woman beside the Lake of Wolves.
Michael Flanders and Donald Swann's satirical revue filled London's Fortune Theatre for two years before closing on 2 May 1959. Happily, the final performance was recorded on an album.
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died. The programme reflects on people of distinction and interest from many walks of life, some famous and some less well known.
He investigates the college which claims to train people in international development and equip them with the skills to work in the developing world. He reports on a walk-out by the students and looks at allegations that they are made to work to keep clothes recycling companies going.
Consumer-driven health care is a hot political issue. But as patients, we demand treatments of unproven worth, regardless of cost, in an apparent frenzy of health anxiety. Michael Blastland asks if patients are fit to take charge in what is being described as a historic shift in power.
Reports from behind the scenes at Westminster. Including The Condensed History of Political Parties.
Another chance to look back at the events making the news 40 years ago with John Tusa.
Soviet troops begin their invasion of Czechoslovakia. Sixty Roman Catholic Priests join a revolt against the Pope's ban on the Pill. A BBC programme examines democracy in America. Opposition to the Pope's ruling against artificial birth control mounts. Two planes collide over the busy Norfolk town of Holt.
MONDAY 25 AUGUST 2008
MON 00:00 Midnight News (b00d3q5l)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
MON 00:15 Thinking Allowed (b00d0sjj)
Imagination and the Suburbs
IMAGINATION AND THE SUBURB
Why is the dream of suburbia so often portrayed as a nightmare? In part two of a series exploring how imagination and reality combine to create the environments in which we live, Laurie Taylor discusses facts and fantasies of suburban life with writer Iain Sinclair and sociologists Paul Barker and Dr Nick Hubble.
MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (b00d3jzz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:43 on Sunday]
MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00d3q5n)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00d3q5q)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00d3q5s)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 05:30 News Briefing (b00d3q5v)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00d3nvx)
Daily prayer and reflection with Kevin Franz of the Religious Society of Friends.
MON 05:45 Farming Today (b00d3q5x)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Clare Phillips.
MON 05:57 Weather (b00d3q5z)
The latest weather forecast for farmers.
MON 06:00 Today (b00d3q61)
Presented by John Humphrys and Sarah Montague.
Including:
James Naughtie reports from the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Lesley Curwen interviews Charles Bean, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.
Tim Lamb, Chief Executive of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, claims that clubs are short of funds and are having to close the door on sporting hopefuls.
Jill Kirby, director of the Centre for Policy Studies, and Conservative MP Michael Fallon discuss how the Tories should adapt to the politics of a recession.
Andy Swiss in Beijing and Jane Peel in London discuss how the London Olympics in 2012 will differ from Beijing 2008.
Professor Rod Morgan and Justice Minister Lord Hunt debate the fairness of the judicial system.
Dr Derrick Campbell, chairman of the National Independent Advisory Group on Criminal Use of Firearms, and Minister for Crime and Policing Lord McNulty discuss what can be done to tackle gun and knife crime.
Sir Peter Burt, former governor and chief executive of the Bank of Scotland, discusses the role national bank officials can play in bringing stability back to the UK markets.
Mike Thomson reports from Sudan on Africa's longest running civil war.
Journalist Kevin Garside and comedian Arthur Smith discuss the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony.
Arianna Huffington, founder of political website the Huffington Post, says that Barack Obama would not be the Democrat nominee without the web. Joe Klein of Time magazine discusses the excitement surrounding the election.
MON 09:00 Fry's English Delight (b00d3q63)
Series 1
Metaphor
Stephen Fry explores the highways and byways of the English language.
Britain's high coastline/population ratio helps to explain how maritime metaphor shaped the English language. But the sea, and the way it shapes the land, has a special metaphorical meaning. Stephen suggests that language is shaped, like a coastline, by a flow of metaphors, which erode, break down and eventually become part of everyday speech and writing.
MON 09:30 Parkmasters (b00773jh)
John Claudius Loudon and the Derby Arboretum
Historian Tristram Hunt investigates the people and ideas behind our public parks, starting with the Derby Arboretum.
John Claudius Loudon was the first major advocate of public parks for the burgeoning cities of 19th-century England, largely through his prolific literary output of articles, books and magazines, where it is estimated that he wrote 60 million words to advance his cause.
Producer: Erin Riley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
MON 09:45 Book of the Week (b00d3rvl)
Sissinghurst: An Unfinished History
Childhood
Adam Nicolson reads from his account of Sissinghurst, one of Britain's most celebrated gardens, purchased by his grandparents Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in 1932.
Adam recalls his early years, planting his first tree and smoking his first cigarette.
MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00d3rvn)
Doris Lessing
Nobel-prize winning author Doris Lessing talks about the impact of her novel, The Golden Notebook, in a special programme celebrating the landmark novel. Published in 1962 it became the first fiction book to become a feminist bible. However, she explains why she still gets cross when it is referred to as 'feminist'.
Journalist and novelist Melissa Benn, and literary critic Elaine Showalter talk about the impact the novel had on them.
MON 11:00 It's My Story (b007yy9d)
School for Communists
Jim Riordan recalls his education at Moscow's elite Higher Party School for Communists during the height of the Cold War. As he wanders through a vastly changed Moscow, he finds the past ever more elusive and puzzling.
MON 11:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00d3rvq)
Role Playing
Special edition of Steve Delaney's comedy vehicle, recorded at the Edinburgh Festival.
Arthur's attempts to find a bargain in the classifieds doesn't quite go to plan, as his ever-ringing doorbell leads to confusion on all fronts. But Count Arthur Strong will be able to gather his thoughts in time for his role-playing engagement at the hospital, won't he?
With Steve Delaney, Sue Perkins, Alastair Kerr, David Mounfield.
MON 12:00 You and Yours (b00d3stg)
Presented by Liz Barclay and Carolyn Atkinson.
The Life Cycle of the Car.
From design, manufacture and driving experience to the scrap yard.
With guests:
Dale Harrow, Professor of Vehicle Design at the Royal College of Art
Richard Parry Jones, former vice president of Ford
Paul Watters, Head of Public Affairs at the AA
Penny Mallory, motoring journalist.
MON 12:57 Weather (b00d3stj)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 13:00 World at One (b00d3stl)
National and international news with Shaun Ley.
MON 13:30 Round Britain Quiz (b00d4383)
2008
Episode 10
Tom Sutcliffe chairs the latest heat of the cryptic general knowledge quiz. The North of England take on the South of England.
Question 1
North of England
One of America’s foremost women poets might be depicted holding a bridle; Middle England’s best-loved farmer, a brush; and our greatest theoretical physicist, jesses. Why?
Question 2
South of England
Why might you find Lucifer, Kingsley Amis’s Colonel, and Francisco de Salva’s most important invention, right on your doorstep?
Question 3
North of England
This music might also resonate with Holbein, and Strindberg. Why, and what is it?
Question 4
South of England
Why, with these clips, are we ‘keeping it in the family’?
Question 5 – listener question from Andrew Walker in Guernsey
North of England
Panama’s is a movie boxer; Costa Rica’s aids digestion; and the one in Laos is asleep. What are they?
Question 6 – listener question from Mark Lester in London
South of England
The following are members of a small group: a royal location is at number 17, whilst one in Suffolk, at number 9, could be one of a pair. Two beautiful rivers, one of them also distinctly royal, are numbers 4 and 25. What is this about?
Question 7
North of England
Why might John Wilmot, William Pitt and John Montagu have been courted by the Conqueror?
Question 8
South of England
Why do Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister, the first man to fly the Mediterranean, the Crazy Gang, and the largest of the Queens parks, form an annual sequence?
MON 14:00 The Archers (b00d3m8j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Sunday]
MON 14:15 Drama (b00d4385)
Building Happiness
By Daniel Jamieson.
Three lost people find unexpected meaning for their lives amidst the buildings and architecture of Bath.
Joss ...... Alex Tregear
Wendy ...... Deborah Findlay
Sean ...... Stuart McLoughlin
Phil/Old man bather ...... Chris Pavlo
Doctor ...... Stephen Critchlow
Female Resident/Bather ...... Joan Walker
Landlady/Cleaner ...... Helen Longworth
Resident/Attendant ...... Dan Starkey
Directed by Marc Beeby.
MON 15:00 Money Box (b00d1yq0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:00 on Saturday]
MON 15:30 Opening Lines (b00d4f0g)
Series 10
The Deep
Miranda and Andy's idyllic holiday in the tropics ends up exposing rifts in their relationship. Read by Helen Longworth.
MON 15:45 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007j7t5)
Series 1
Episode 1
Presented by Brett Westwood.
In a Somerset garden, Brett is joined by keen bird watcher Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson. They observe members of the thrush family, including the blackbird, robin and song thrush.
MON 16:00 The Food Programme (b00d3k0w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:32 on Sunday]
MON 16:30 Beyond Belief (b00d4f59)
Ernie Rea explores the place of faith in today's world, teasing out the hidden and often contradictory truths behind the experiences, values and traditions of our lives.
MON 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00d439n)
25th August 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Thousands attend a rally for Czechoslovakian freedom in London's Hyde Park.
MON 17:00 PM (b00d4gm3)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00d4gm5)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
MON 18:30 Just a Minute (b00d43b1)
Series 53
Episode 5
Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Panellists include Clement Freud and Paul Merton.
MON 19:00 The Archers (b00d4gm7)
Clarrie has cooked breakfast for Ed, who's going to surprise Emma by taking George out for the day. Ed asks after Will, and Clarrie tells him he's settling in ok. Later, Ed and George have great fun playing football on the green.
Pat and Tony are discussing the flat above the shop. Helen's very enthusiastic about it, though it'll take a bit of work to bring it up to date. Tony's going to have a look at it himself, then talk to Peggy about it. Tom phones, saying he'll call in later, but it doesn't sound like he has good news. When Clarrie arrives for work, Pat decides they both need a coffee. Clarrie tells Pat how worried she is about William, and that George is without a father.
Tony returns from seeing Peggy, who is delighted with their plans for the flat - she's been worried about the shop for some time. Tom arrives, and tells his parents that Brian's refused to buy him out. Tony's furious with Brian - he needs Tom committed at Bridge Farm. Tom understands that, but his hands are firmly tied. Tony vows to have it out with Brian, as soon as possible.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
MON 19:15 Front Row (b00d4gm9)
Arts news and reviews.
In a special programme, Mark Lawson discusses the current state of documentary with leading film makers including James Marsh (Man on Wire), Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me), Molly Dineen (The Lie of the Land), Errol Morris (Standard Operating Procedure), Paul Watson (Raining in My Heart), Jane Treays (The Man with the Seven Second Memory) and Anthony Thomas (The Qur'an).
MON 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00d43cv)
Doris Lessing - The Golden Notebook
Episode 1
Doris Lessing's 20th-century classic, dramatised by Sarah Daniels.
In the summer of 1957, writer Anna Wulf is welcoming home her friend Molly, just returned from a year's travelling. The two friends have a lot to catch up on.
Anna ...... Susannah Harker
Molly ...... Fenella Woolgar
Richard ...... Ron Cook
Tommy ...... Adam Paulden
Saul ...... Peter Brooke
Directed by Polly Thomas.
MON 20:00 Once upon a Time on the Front Line (b00d43fx)
The touching story of the families of British soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan recording bedtime stories for their children. Storybook Soldiers is a new army-backed grassroots initiative which records the troops reading the stories, complete with sound effects and frequently moving messages.
A poignant look at a difficult separation and how the stories are helping to keep soldiers close to their children and bridge a gulf of not just miles, but also of experience and basic childhood understanding.
Featured stories: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle; The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake; The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson; The Tiger That Came To Tea by Judith Kerr; Hannah Banana by Josh Ingram; The Littlest Knight by Carol Moore; The Gingerbread Man; Goldilocks and The Three Bears.
MON 20:30 Crossing Continents (b00d0wnq)
Guatemala and Canada Gold Rush
Bill Law reports on a controversial mining project by Vancouver-based Goldcorp in Guatemala. Local Mayan Indians claim that the open pit mine is damaging their health and community cohesion. Goldcorp denies this, insisting it brings benefits to local communities and that it takes its social responsibilities seriously.
MON 21:00 Placebo (b00d43fz)
Episode 2
Ben Goldacre investigates the latest research on the placebo effect.
Our beliefs and expectations about treatments can have a dramatic effect on our health. Ben asks if modern medicine is making the most of this strange phenomenon and also considers the ethical implications.
MON 21:30 Mind Changers (b008crhv)
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Claudia Hammond presents a series looking at the development of the science of psychology during the 20th century.
When Philip Zimbardo set up a mock prison, he had no idea that the resulting behaviour would be so extreme that he would have to abandon the experiment. Over 30 years later, when he saw photos of the abuse in Abu Ghraib, it was with the shock of recognition that he went on to testify in the defence of one of the accused soldiers.
MON 21:58 Weather (b00d4jnz)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 22:00 The World Tonight (b00d4jp1)
National and international news and analysis with Ritula Shah. Including reports on the Democratic party as it gathers in Denver for the first day of its convention.
MON 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00d67v0)
Perfect Night
Episode 1
Jamie Glover reads from Peter Grimsdale's political thriller. Nick Roker was a talented young TV director until an accident on location destroyed his career and his memory.
MON 23:00 Word of Mouth (b00d0hw7)
Peggy Reynolds investigates the world of language guardians and explores the battles raging on the internet blogs that have superseded the letters once written to newspapers. And while we might ask for a hotel room with an 'en suite', the French would never use the phrase in that context. So which other French words and phases are we misusing?
MON 23:30 Tomorrow, Today! (b012n3rs)
Series 1
What Price Utopia
Comedy series by Christopher William Hill, set in 1961. A BBC producer struggles to make a radio soap set in the unimaginably futuristic world of 2006.
The government tries to use the programme for a very dark purpose.
With Peter Bowles, Cheryl Campbell, John Fortune, Gary Waldhorn.
TUESDAY 26 AUGUST 2008
TUE 00:00 Midnight News (b00d3nvz)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b00d3rvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Monday]
TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nw1)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00d3nw3)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nw5)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b00d3nw7)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00d3nw9)
Daily prayer and reflection with Kevin Franz of the Religious Society of Friends.
TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b00d3nwc)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Steve Peacock.
TUE 06:00 Today (b00d3nwf)
Presented by John Humphrys and Edward Stourton.
Including:
Dr Peter Selby of the National Council for Independent Monitoring Boards discusses Titan prisons.
Justin Webb and James Naughtie report from the Democratic National Conference in Denver.
Sir Andrew Green of Migrant Watch and Danny Sriskandarajah of the IPPR, discuss how immigration benefits Britain.
Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary responds to criticism of the airline after a passenger jet made an emergency landing.
Thought for the Day with Vishvapani, a member of the Western Buddhist Order.
Professor Paul Goddard, former president of the Royal Society of Medicine, has launched a savage attack on the way the NHS is run.
Mike Thomson reports from Sudan. He has been talking to the Catholic Archbishop of the country's southern city of Juba, Paulino Lukudu Loro.
Novelists Tom Rob Smith and Justin Cartwright discuss whether the thriller genre belongs on the Booker Prize list.
Pakistan's High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan discusses what the future holds for his country.
TUE 09:00 1968 - The Year of Revolutions (b00d44xd)
Episode 4
John Tusa and guests discuss the impact of the tumultuous world events of 1968.
He revisits the events of August 26 in Chicago, when the Democrats met to choose their presidential candidate. Thousands of anti-Vietnam War protesters had also made their way to the city, and the event soon became mired in acrimony and violence.
TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b00d3qvh)
Sissinghurst: An Unfinished History
Family
Adam Nicolson reads from his account of Sissinghurst, one of Britain's most celebrated gardens, purchased by his grandparents Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in 1932.
The Nicolson family's life at Sissinghurst may have seemed idyllic from the outside, but inside lay a deep unhappiness.
TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00d3rsg)
Sharing breast milk; Ipswich prostitutes
Is wet nursing making a comeback? Plus, the drive to help Ipswich's sex workers rebuild their lives after the murder of five women, Michelle Obama discussed, and growing trees.
TUE 11:00 Jatropha the Wonder Plant (b00d44xg)
Chandy Nath explores the properties of Jatropha, a wild plant that has been growing in the tropics for centuries.
As well as having medical applications, it is used in the manufacture of candles and soap. But as oil prices rise and the impact of global warming becomes clearer, Jatropha is being cultivated and planted on a massive scale for use as a biofuel. Could this extraordinary plant be the solution to the world's energy needs?
TUE 11:30 Caught on Film (b00d44xj)
At Bologna's festival Il Cinema Ritrovato, Matthew Sweet discovers how our cinematic heritage is disintegrating. From August 2008.
TUE 12:00 You and Yours (b00d3ssk)
Call You and Yours
Presented by Winifred Robinson and Peter White.
Driving Test.
The Government wants the public's views on how to change the driving test. What do listeners think about the standard of driving in the UK and what might be done to improve it. Or should ministers leave well alone?
With guests:
Steve Garrod, Driving Instructors Association
Richard Cuerden, accident Investigator
Rosemary Thew, Chief Executive of the Driving Standards Agency.
TUE 12:57 Weather (b00d3ssm)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 13:00 World at One (b00d3ssp)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
TUE 13:30 40 Years from Folsom (b00d44xl)
Matthew Bannister recalls Johnny Cash's historic 1968 concert at Folsom Prison in California, one of the most famous live recordings ever made. Contributors include musicians, former prison guards, inmates and local newspaper reporter Gene Beley, who recorded the event on a small tape machine.
TUE 14:00 The Archers (b00d4gm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Monday]
TUE 14:15 Drama (b0076zdx)
Thrift
By Rebecca Trick-Walker.
Gwen sits on a cliff-top in Pembrokeshire, trying to paint a flower. Instead, she finds herself thinking about her 40-year marriage, its recent end and how her story mirrors that of Morwen, the Maiden of the Sea.
Gwen ...... Sian Phillips
Richard ...... Richard Mitchley
Jack ...... William Thomas
Storyteller ...... Dorien Thomas
Directed by Kate McAll.
TUE 15:00 Home Planet (b00d4pyp)
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the environment and the natural world.
TUE 15:30 Opening Lines (b00d4f0j)
Series 10
Teeth
Series showcasing cutting-edge contemporary writing.
In Drew Gummerson' story, Rodney is plagued by his lack of teeth. He hatches an extraordinary plan to obtain the ultimate set, and with it his son's respect.
Read by Nick Ball.
TUE 15:45 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007llfx)
Series 1
Episode 2
Brett Westwood presents an entertaining and practical guide in a series recorded in a Somerset garden. He is joined by keen bird watcher Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson.
They observe members of the titmice family, including blue tits, great tits and long-tailed tits.
TUE 16:00 Word of Mouth (b00d44xn)
Michael Rosen takes another journey into the world of words, language and the way we speak.
TUE 16:30 Great Lives (b00d44xq)
Series 16
Alan Freed
Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris.
Bob Harris nominates Alan Freed, the first ever rock 'n' roll DJ. A champion of black rhythm and blues, Freed's meteoric career was cut short when he faced allegations of commercial bribery, and he died a penniless alcoholic.
TUE 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00d5j76)
26th August 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The Democratic Party convention opens in Chicago.
TUE 17:00 PM (b00d4fd6)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00d4fd8)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
TUE 18:30 4 At the Fringe (b00d44xs)
Episode 2
4 At The Fringe is the second of two half hour stand up comedy shows for Radio 4 which features some of the best acts appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008, recorded at The Pleasance Beyond.
The series is hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre with his own unique style - introducing the eight acts over the two shows.
Tonight Jon Richardson, Jeff Green Alun Cochrane and comic musician, David O'Doherty will bring his two small keyboards and his very odd sense of humour to round the show off.
Four At The Fringe brings the best of the acts appearing at The Fringe in Edinburgh in one bite sized audio chunk!
The producer is Paul Russell, and the programme is an Open Mike Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 19:00 The Archers (b00d4g05)
Joe notices that Bartleby is lame, and the vet confirms that the pony has had a thorn in his foot. Joe's worried that not only will this threaten his promise to take Usha to the church, he'll also have trouble fulfilling his Swap Club 'errands'. Then he'll miss out on all sorts of other things in return. Bert tells him about the solution he and Clarrie have come up with of an IOU. Joe's inspired, and is soon running up IOUs all over the village.
David stops to talk to Ruth on his way to ploughing. As he pulls away, disaster strikes as Alan approaches on his bike and has to swerve to avoid David's tractor. Alan's shaken but OK. Ruth's horrified when David admits he didn't get the faulty indicator on the tractor fixed. But Alan's more worried about his trousers, and is delighted when David offers to take him to Borchester General for a check up.
All is revealed when they get to Underwoods so Alan can deliver his wedding trousers for alteration. David's keen to return home before he gets into even more trouble with Ruth. Alan's just anxious to make sure that no-one tells Usha about the trousers.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
TUE 19:15 Front Row (b00d4g07)
Presented by Mark Lawson.
Including:
Dance critic Sarah Crompton gives her verdict on Matthew Bourne's new production Dorian Gray, which is based on Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray.
James Hamilton, who finished Humphrey Carpenter's last book, Jill Paton Walsh, who has completed work by Dorothy L Sayers, and Prof John Sutherland discuss the art of finishing off someone else's book.
Zero: An Investigation into 9/11 is a new film questioning the established wisdom about the 9/11 hijackings. The internet is full of conspiracy theories about events that day, including another film Loose Change: Final Cut. Mark brings together the films' directors Francesco Trento and Tim Sparke to question their version of events.
Matt Thorne reviews two new TV quiz shows. Fiona Bruce presents What Are You Like? while Terry Wogan tests contestants' memory in Wogan's Perfect Recall.
TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00d4g09)
Doris Lessing - The Golden Notebook
Episode 2
Doris Lessing's 20th-century classic, dramatised by Sarah Daniels.
Anna becomes embroiled in the conflict between Molly and her ex-husband Richard over their son Tommy's future.
Anna ...... Susannah Harker
Molly ...... Fenella Woolgar
Richard ...... Ron Cook
Tommy ...... Adam Paulden
Ella ...... Emma Fielding
Janet ...... Ellie Sager
Mr Mathlong ...... Wyllie Longmore
Mrs Marks ...... Brigit Forsyth
Saul ...... Peter Brooke
Dick ...... Marc Parry
Directed by Polly Thomas.
TUE 20:00 Crime Hotspots (b00d44xv)
Nick Ross investigates claims that online crime maps will be inaccurate and misleading. The planned maps will show crimes that have been reported to the police each month, divided into various categories such as serious violent crime, drug offences and theft. The government is enthusiastic about the plan, but criminologists are dubious.
TUE 20:40 In Touch (b00d4pyr)
Peter White with news and information for the blind and partially sighted.
TUE 21:00 Case Notes (b00d4pyt)
Urology
Dr Mark Porter explores health issues of the day.
He investigates the latest treatments for problems in the urinary tract. He reports on the diagnosis and treatment of different conditions that can affect the kidneys and the bladder and discovers that blood in the urine can be a sign of a variety of problems.
TUE 21:30 1968 - The Year of Revolutions (b00d44xd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 21:58 Weather (b00d4jjc)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b00d4jjh)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig. Including reports on Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states and Hillary Clinton's supporters at the Democrat Convention.
TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00d5ywg)
Perfect Night
Episode 2
Jamie Glover reads from Peter Grimsdale's political thriller.
Puzzled by the similarity between a photo of a long dead terrorist and a man he interviewed recently, Nick Roker consults a friend.
TUE 23:00 Quote... Unquote (b00d4pyw)
Nigel Rees chairs the popular quiz involving the exchange of quotations and anecdotes.
TUE 23:30 The Spiritual Centre (b007ng7h)
Series 1
The Favourite
Sitcom by Suk Pannu.
Bharat, self-styled Guru of Westgate and wise man of the western suburbs, presides over the spiritual centre.
Guru Bharat receives a visitation from his leader, the serene Sri Vasanth, who travels to Westgate from his mountain cave to carry out a spiritual audit.
Bharat ...... Vincent Ebrahim
Henry ...... Tim Key
Mrs Sidhu ...... Shelley King
Ravi ...... Nitin Ganatra
Priya ...... Archie Panjabi
Sri Vasanth ...... Art Malik
Dev/Policeman ...... Sartaj Garewal.
WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2008
WED 00:00 Midnight News (b00d3nwh)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b00d3qvh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nwk)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00d3nwm)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nwp)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b00d3nwr)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00d3nwt)
Daily prayer and reflection with Kevin Franz of the Religious Society of Friends.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b00d3nww)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Melanie Abbot.
WED 06:00 Today (b00d3nwy)
Presented by John Humphrys and Edward Stourton.
Including:
Bridget Kendall reports on Russia's recognition of two breakaway states from Georgia.
Keith Doyle reports on the devolution of policing and justice in Northern Ireland.
Andrew Dillon of NICE discusses when the drug Lucentis is likely to be available to patients in England.
Norman Smith examines the effectiveness of windfall taxes.
James Naughtie reports on Hillary Clinton's speech at the Democratic convention.
Thought for the Day with Reverend Dr Giles Fraser, vicar of Putney.
Mediator Kirk Dawes and a mother of a murder victim discuss what can be done to diffuse tension between gangs.
Eddie Stride, who runs a youth centre, and musician Tricky debate whether there is a link between poetry and rap.
Danny Shaw reports on the Home Office initiative of Accredited Persons.
Paul Watters, Head of Road Policy of the AA, discusses why we behave so differently behind the wheel of a car.
Crispin Thorold reports from an area of Baghdad that has seen some of the worst violence in recent years.
Why are the Russians so concerned by the possible expansion of NATO? Masha Lipman of the Moscow centre of the Carnegie Endowment and David Clark, chair of the Russia Foundation, discuss the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
WED 09:00 The House I Grew Up In (b00d45nh)
Series 2
Joanna Briscoe
Wendy Robbins takes the novelist back to her isolated childhood home in Dartmoor, and an unconventional upbringing. From August 2008.
WED 09:30 A Wonderful Way to Make a Living (b00d45nk)
Series 2
Episode 4
US satirist Joe Queenan presents a series on people with highly unusual occupations.
In Gloucester, he meets up with a film crew who are busy creating explosions for the Doctor Who Christmas Special.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b00d3qvk)
Sissinghurst: An Unfinished History
Dealing with the Trust
Adam Nicolson reads from his account of Sissinghurst, one of Britain's most celebrated gardens, purchased by his grandparents Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in 1932.
Adam's vision for the future of his family home needs National Trust backing and support from the people who work at Sissinghurst.
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00d3rsj)
Decriminalising prostitution; Gaynor Arnold
Is decriminalising prostitution the way to make sex workers safe? Plus, writer Gaynor Arnold on her first novel Girl in a Blue Dress, based on the life of Catherine Dickens.
WED 11:00 Krystian Bala: When Fact and Fiction Collide (b00d45nm)
Crime writer Mark Billingham tells the story of how the contents of a novel led to the author's being convicted of murder. He visits the Polish city of Wroclaw to meet Krystian Bala, a novelist and philosophy graduate who was found guilty of orchestrating the murder of a local businessman in 2007.
WED 11:30 Kicking the Habit (b00d45np)
Series 2
The Business of Miracles
Comedy drama by Christopher Lee, set in a Carmelite monastery where the brown habit is no protection against the problems and temptations of the modern world.
Everyone seems concerned that Brother Martin's hearing is not as good as it used to be. He has also been missing breakfast. However, as Mave says, seeing is believing.
Father Bertie ...... Alfred Molina
Brother Martin ...... Roy Dotrice
Father Michael ...... Martin Jarvis
Brother Luke ...... Darren Richardson
Mave ...... Rosalind Ayres
Friars and pilgrims played by Kenneth Danziger, Moira Quirk, Matthew Wolf and Alan Shearman.
Directed by Pete Atkin.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b00d3ssr)
Presented by Winifred Robinson and Stuart Flinders.
Including:
The manufacturer of the powerful eye drug Lucentis has agreed to cap the cost of treatment.
Many pools now have separate lanes for slow, medium and fast swimmers. There have been arguments and even talk of 'lane rage'. Cecile Wright talks to swimmers at Manchester's Aquatic Centre.
First Stop: Three charities offering advice on care for the elderly are joining together to offer a single one-stop help service, available by phone and on the internet.
Hospital worker Jimmy Real entered a raffle and won a day as Lord Mayor. Chris Hawksworth joins Jimmy and his wife Pat on the morning of his big day.
As energy costs rise, a study by the Electrical Contractors' Association shows that one in eight of us has stopped using key appliances.
WED 12:57 Weather (b00d3sst)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b00d3ssw)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
WED 13:30 Tracing Your Roots (b00d45nr)
Series 3
Episode 2
Sally Magnusson presents a series exploring the practice of researching family history, one of the UK's most rapidly growing pastimes.
With genealogist Nick Barratt, she explores Jewish immigration.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b00d4g05)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Drama (b00d45nt)
From Lagos with Love
By Janice Okoh.
A junior lawyer in a London firm uncovers a major fraud in a Nigerian oil company. He also falls in love with his contact in Lagos. Then she disappears.
Femi ...... Nadine Marshall
Jeremy ...... Chris Pavlo
Kenneth ...... Stephen Critchlow
Jill ...... Helen Longworth
Beatrice ...... Syan Blake
Paul ...... Adetomiwa Edun
Directed by Claire Grove.
WED 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00d3k12)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Sunday]
WED 15:30 Opening Lines (b00d4f0l)
Series 10
Put the Radiator on, Get the Coffee Going
Series showcasing cutting-edge contemporary writing.
In Anna Britten's story, a young decorator's encounter with a middle-aged divorcee and a dragonfly give him unexpected inspiration for a colour scheme.
Read by Mike Bailey.
WED 15:45 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007mhvy)
Series 1
Episode 3
Brett Westwood presents an entertaining and practical guide in a series recorded in a Somerset garden. He is joined by keen bird watcher Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson.
Their attention is on members of the finch family, including the goldfinch, chaffinch and greenfinch.
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b00d45nw)
Imagination and the City
IMAGINATION AND THE CITY
In part three of a series exploring how imagination and reality combine to create the environments in which we live, Laurie Taylor discusses our experience of the modern city. He is joined by the novelist Will Self, the sociologist Richard Sennett and the geographer Doreen Massey in the Radio Theatre at Broadcasting House.
In front of a live audience at the Radio Theatre at Broadcasting House, Laurie is joined by writer Will Self, sociologist Richard Sennett and geographer Doreen Massey.
Made in association with The Open University.
WED 16:30 Case Notes (b00d4pyt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00d4fdb)
27th August 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Czechoslovak leader Alexander Dubcek returns from Moscow and broadcasts an emotional plea to the nation.
WED 17:00 PM (b00d4fdd)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00d4fdg)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
WED 18:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d45ny)
Series 2
Generosity
The comedian examines the virtue of generosity. With poetry and songs by Tom Basden and Tim Key. From August 2008.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b00d4g0c)
Ed and Emma are having a picnic in the garden with George, and they chat about ways to help boost Mike's sales. Emma mentions that they have the house to themselves tonight, and suggests to Ed that he could stay over.
It's Usha's Hindu wedding day and Auntie Satya is providing comfort and fuss in equal measure. The ceremony goes off without a hitch, and later in a quiet moment Alan fills Usha in on the accident with David's tractor. The pair talk fondly of their day, and of their love for each other.
Susan's intrigued by the customs at the Hindu ceremony, but Neil's dreading what faux pas she will make next. He's aghast when she raises the subject of the digester meeting with Ruth. As she's been less than diplomatic with the priest, Neil is keen to wrest Susan away from Satya before she puts her foot in it again. Neil hopes tomorrow's crowd at the diploma ceremony are as nice as the people today have been. He's surprised it's going to be such a formal affair. But Susan says Christopher deserves a big occasion and she can't wait. It'll be fantastic.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b00d4g0f)
Presented by Mark Lawson.
Including:
In the week of his fiftieth birthday, acclaimed comedian and actor Lenny Henry discusses his career. In an extended interview, he talks about his latest role as Othello, how he very nearly became a welder, and why he still feels that there is a lack of ethnic diversity in Britain's broadcasting industry.
Two very different TV dramas begin next week. Lost in Austen sees a disillusioned modern working girl swap her life for that of Austen's heroine Elizabeth Bennet. Frank Cottrell Boyce's God on Trial follows a group of Auschwitz prisoners who demand to know the nature of a God who can allow so much suffering. Critics Bidisha and Kathryn Hughes offer their verdicts.
A new Bollywood film Rock On features a fictional band. Due for release in autumn, The Rocker sees an unsuccessful drummer given a second chance at fame. Andrew Collins reflects on the many made-up bands, some with intriguing names, which have featured in cinematic history.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00d4g0h)
Doris Lessing - The Golden Notebook
Episode 3
Doris Lessing's 20th-century classic, dramatised by Sarah Daniels.
As Anna tries to shake off the painful memories of her unhappy affair with a married man, she finds herself turning them into a story about her alter ego Ella.
Anna ...... Susannah Harker
Molly ...... Fenella Woolgar
Ella ...... Emma Fielding
Paul ...... Sean Gallagher
Dr West ...... Mark Chatterton
Mrs West ...... Christine Brennan
Directed by Polly Thomas.
WED 20:00 Inside the Ethics Committee (b00d45p0)
Series 4
Episode 4
Series in which Vivienne Parry is joined by a panel of experts to tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case.
Sarah has Hepatitis B, which she caught from her mother at birth. Her mother is adamant that she doesn't want her daughter to know what is wrong. She has seen families shunned for having Hepatitis B and she doubts Sarah's ability to keep the secret. But the disease is highly infectious, through blood and sexual contact. Does Sarah have a right to know about her condition?
WED 20:45 The Condensed History of Political Parties (b00d45p2)
The Conservative Party
Adam Long, co-founder of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, rushes through the history of the Conservative Party from repealing Corn Laws to hugging hoodies, via European Union blues and the cones hotline.
WED 21:00 Andy Cave's Expedition Underground (b008h3xk)
Mountaineer Andy Cave joins the team working on the Thirlmere Aqueduct, an extraordinary Victorian system using only gravity to carry water for 94 miles from the Lake District to a million homes in Manchester. Opened in 1894, this remarkable engineering feat was closed for maintenance during October 2007.
WED 21:30 The House I Grew Up In (b00d45nh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b00d4jjk)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b00d4jjm)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig. Including features on David Miliband's visit to Ukraine and the hereditary aspects of bravery.
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00d5ywj)
Perfect Night
Episode 3
Jamie Glover reads from Peter Grimsdale's political thriller. Nick seems not to be the only person who has an interest in the two sets of photographs.
WED 23:00 Strangers on Trains (b00d45p4)
Episode 1
Travellers, including a love-struck postie, share their darkest secrets. Stars Nat Segnit and Stewart Wright. From August 2008.
WED 23:15 All Bar Luke (b00d45p6)
Series 3
The Prang
Poignant comedy drama series by Tim Key.
Luke crashes his car and meets the perfect bystander after his brother tells him some shattering news.
An Angel Eye Media production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:30 The Music Group (b009y48s)
Series 2
Episode 3
Comedian, broadcaster and GP Dr Phil Hammond asks each of three guests to play the track of their choice for the delight or disdain of the others.
He is joined by poet John Hegley, design guru Stephen Bayley and cookery writer Rosamund Grant.
THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 2008
THU 00:00 Midnight News (b00d3nx0)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b00d3qvk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nx2)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00d3nx4)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nx6)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b00d3nx8)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00d3nxb)
Daily prayer and reflection with Kevin Franz of the Religious Society of Friends.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b00d3nxd)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Anna Hill.
THU 06:00 Today (b00d3nxg)
Presented by John Humphrys and Evan Davis.
Including:
Bill Clinton has told delegates at the Democrat convention that Barack Obama is the man for the job, while Hillary has formally proposed Obama as the party's presidential candidate. Justin Webb and James Naughtie report from Denver.
Ukraine's deputy Prime Minister Hryhoriy Nemyria says that his country is eager to work with the EU and Nato.
Film-maker and criminologist Roger Graef claims that the government has not taken the threat from replica guns seriously enough.
Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley discusses the widening gap in the health of the richest and poorest in society. Sir Michael Marmot, chair of the World Health Organisation, discusses the problem.
Two galleries are appealing for funds to buy two paintings by Italian Renaissance artist Titian. Art critic Richard Cork reports.
Thought for the Day with Elaine Storkey, president of the Tearfund.
Mike Thomson reports from a health clinic in the remote Sudanese border village of Tieraliet.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband says that the UK will support Ukraine's democratic choices.
Home Office minister Tony McNulty explains how the police want the government to act over their promise to ban all deactivated guns.
Housing expert Henry Pryor discusses how many estate agents are closing each week and what this means for the property market.
Professor Michael Foot and Lord Selborne discuss Britain's wartime Special Operations Executive.
THU 09:00 Between Ourselves (b00d50wp)
Series 2
Episode 7
Olivia O'Leary presents the series which brings together two people who have had profound and similar experiences, to hear their individual stories and compare the long-term effects on each of their lives.
THU 09:30 Backstreet Business (b00d5w3g)
Episode 2
Nicola Heywood Thomas visits small businesses.
In the Cotswolds village of Long Compton, David Law is part of a network of off-the-beaten-track companies creating beautiful musical instruments.
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b00d3qvm)
Sissinghurst: An Unfinished History
Setbacks and Struggles
Adam Nicolson reads from his account of Sissinghurst, one of Britain's most celebrated gardens, purchased by his grandparents Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in 1932.
Adam's ambitious plans for the return of Sissinghurst to a productive farm encounter suspicion and opposition.
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00d3rsl)
Joan Rivers; Drug related deaths
Comedienne Joan Rivers on turning 75. Plus writer Julie Summers on how women coped when the men came back from World War Two, and why men are more likely to die from drug abuse.
THU 11:00 Crossing Continents (b00d50ws)
Czech Republic
Across Europe, Roma children are often educated in special schools for children with mental disabilities. Last year, a group of Roma children defeated the Czech government at the European Court of Justice. The court ruled that the children had been the victims of systematic discrimination and ordered that they should be paid compensation. How has the court ruling affected their lives? Ray Furlong reports.
THU 11:30 The Ancient Novel (b00d45vl)
Tibor Fischer explores the ancient novel. 2,000 years before Hollywood, Greek and Latin writers were producing tales that read like film scripts, from romances to religious mystery texts. They incorporate plot twists, bawdy humour and magical episodes in ways that are strikingly similar to their modern counterparts, and their influence on world literature is vast. At the International Conference on the Ancient Novel, Tibor talks to leading academics about this relatively unknown literary genre.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b00d3ssy)
Presented by Liz Barclay and Peter White.
Including:
Mark Holdstock joins a group of fair trade farmers from developing countries on a tour of Cumbrian supermarkets to see how their produce is sold in the UK.
Jon Douglas reports on a pilot project to install the latest green energy systems into poor households to lower their energy bills.
The online shopping site Ebay is to introduce major changes to its fees and listings next month. What do these mean for buyers and sellers?
Evidence has come to light that some letting agents are breaking the law by not placing tenants' deposits with the deposit protection scheme.
Should local government be able to offer mortgages and help families facing repossession?
THU 12:57 Weather (b00d3st0)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b00d3st2)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
THU 13:30 Open Country (b00d1xr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b00d4g0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b0076zm1)
This Cold August Light
By Jerome Vincent. The year 1816 saw some extraordinary weather, with snow falling and crops failing across Europe and North America. The sunsets, however, were amazing, and the climatic conditions had a profound effect on artists and writers, including Edgar Allan Poe.
Edgar Allan Poe ...... Kerry Shale
Young Poe ...... Michael Beveridge
Maunder ...... David Timson
Lily/Edith ...... Alison Pettitt
Laura/Mary Shelley ...... Rachel Atkins
Turner/Mellish ...... Harry Myers
Polidori/Farthing ...... Chris Stanton
Taylor ...... Robin Toller
Organ music composed and performed by Jonathan Ayerst.
Directed by David Blount.
THU 15:00 Lives in a Landscape (b0080xwg)
The Dawn Winder
Twice a week, as the city of London rumbles slowly into life, a solitary figure hurries from room to room at the Royal Courts of Justice. For 35 years, Jeffrey Rosson has wound the clocks that measure out the day in the country's famous law courts. The job is as old as the building itself, but Jeffrey's tenure as the dawn winder will soon be coming to an end.
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b00d3k0f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Opening Lines (b00d4f0n)
Series 10
Pink or Blue
Series showcasing cutting-edge contemporary writing.
In Elizabeth Wells's story, gender stereotyping and dysfunctional families are seen through a teenager's eyes in small-town Canada.
Read by Maggie Blake.
THU 15:45 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007ng49)
Series 1
Episode 4
Brett Westwood presents an entertaining and practical guide in a series recorded in a Somerset garden. He is joined by keen bird watcher Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson.
They identify some of the woodland visitors, including the great spotted woodpecker and skulking dunnock.
THU 16:00 Open Book (b00d3kfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b00d50wv)
Tracking Traffic - Periodic Table of Videos
Tracking Traffic
In a bank holiday week, traffic can be the main topic of conversation. This week Quentin Cooper investigates how artificial intelligence is being applied to traffic navigation systems for the first time.
The Institute of Industrial Research at Portsmouth University has teamed up with the Traffic Research Laboratory to develop the ‘Congestion Avoidance Dynamic Routing Engine’ (CADRE).
Instead of a regular sat nav system that gets information about the car’s location from a satellite and tells you where you are on a map, the CADRE uses ‘fuzzy logic’ to imitate how humans think and make decisions, and constantly takes on new information from fellow users to keep up to date with how traffic is moving.
He’s joined by Dr Alan Stevens, Chief Research Scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire and Dr David Brown, Head of the Institute of Industrial Research at Portsmouth University who has come up with this new system known as CADRE.
Periodic Table of Videos
There are 118 new videos available on the internet. That number (among many other videos) is significant because it’s the number of elements in the periodic table – 16 more than when Tom Lehrer sang his famous song listing the elements.
The new video collection comes from Professor Martyn Poliakoff who, along with colleagues in the chemistry department at the University of Nottingham have created the latest internet video hit by making short films about each element in the periodic table.
Quentin is joined by Professor Poliakoff and his fellow periodic table video star, Dr Debbie Kays.
THU 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00d4fdj)
28th August 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The Democrats choose Hubert Humphrey as their candidate for the White House.
THU 17:00 PM (b00d4fdl)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00d4fdn)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
THU 18:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d45vn)
Series 2
A Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse
As the Victorian comic epic continues, Pip finds himself heavily in debt when he has to bribe the whole of the House of Commons not to hang him. But has he found true love at last in the form of wealthy Southern belle Talullah Not-A-Man?
Or is it some sort of fiendishly subtle plot hatched by an evil villain in a frock.
Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Volume Two, Chapter the Fourth: a Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse.
Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa/Woman............................Susy Kane
The Bailiff................................Mark Evans
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b00d4g0k)
Joe's on the scrounge for carrots for Bartleby, but Tony's not keen to donate them, even in return for an IOU. Joe admits he's running out of options for replacing Bartleby tomorrow. He might have to accept Alistair's offer after all.
Pat tells Tony not to lose his temper when he goes to see Brian, but Tony knows exactly what he's going to say. Brian, however, is intransigent. He's not interested in buying Tom out. He thinks Tom should fulfil his obligations, and that there's an element of sour grapes where Tony's concerned; Brian recognised Tom's potential and invested in him when Tony didn't. Things get heated but Brian's immovable. He's made his position absolutely clear. Pat and Tony agree they can't afford to buy Tom out. Brian's pulling the strings once again.
Alice and Chris decide to go for a meal together after his diploma ceremony. Susan's savouring the occasion, and embarrassing her family into the bargain. She's loving every minute and is disappointed when Neil suggests they make a move homeward. He reminds her it's another big day tomorrow, and she's delighted once more. What a week!
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b00d4g0m)
Presented by Kirsty Lang.
Including:
Hollywood screenwriter Richard Price talks about his new novel Lush Life, set on the tough and gritty streets of Lower East Side, New York.
Writer and critic Antonia Quirke reviews the latest film from French director Francois Ozon, based on the novel by Elizabeth Taylor. Angel is about a young writer of romantic fiction who refuses to accept the world around her and creates her own reality.
The young author Thomas Wright has spent the last 20 years researching Oscar Wilde's extensive reading habits, which ranged from the classics to poetry, including English, European, Japanese and Russian literature. In Oscar's Books, Wright examines Wilde's character by looking at his reading material. He discusses what he found.
When the Swedish pianist Esbjorn Svensson died in a diving accident in June this year at the age of 44, his obituaries were unanimous. Svensson and his trio EST were widely considered to be among Europe's finest jazz ensembles. Shortly before Svensson's death, the band completed a new recording, which is released next week. Kevin Le Gendre reflects on the art of the posthumous record release.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00d4g0p)
Doris Lessing - The Golden Notebook
Episode 4
Doris Lessing's twentieth-century classic, dramatised by Sarah Daniels.
Anna finally exorcises the painful memory of her affair as she concludes the story of her alter ego Ella being left by her married lover.
Anna ...... Susannah Harker
Molly/Julia ...... Fenella Woolgar
Ella ...... Emma Fielding
Paul ...... Sean Gallagher
Janet ...... Ellie Sagar
Directed by Polly Thomas.
THU 20:00 Investigation (b00d45vq)
Series 5
Episode 3
Simon Cox investigates teenage knife crime. Press coverage has mainly focused on the victims, but is there any common link between the perpetrators?
THU 20:30 In Business (b00d51mh)
Biotech Battle
Britain's world-class pharmaceutical industry fears that it is failing to keep pace with biotechnology, the latest development in medicines. Industry leaders held an elaborate business war game in London to find out how to catch up. Peter Day reports on the how the game was played and the lessons they learned.
THU 21:00 Costing the Earth (b00d51mk)
Gulls: Code Red
Seagulls are breeding rapidly, thriving and getting bigger. With the decline of fishing in coastal waters, they have been moving inland to more benign conditions in towns and cities, especially where there are landfill sites. Experts fear trouble if urban gulls are allowed to go on breeding unchecked, but measures to control their population are proving ineffective.
THU 21:30 Between Ourselves (b00d50wp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b00d4jjp)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b00d4jjr)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00d5ywl)
Perfect Night
Episode 4
Jamie Glover reads from Peter Grimsdale's political thriller.
Determined to find out the truth about what happened in Sri Lanka and the identical twin terrorists, Nick seeks out his old boss.
THU 23:00 Jon Ronson On (b00d0yj5)
Series 4
Bad News
Jon Ronson looks at how we take bad tidings. He talks to a man who was told that he had terminal cancer and spent the last six months of his life living it up, only to find out that the doctors got it wrong. He also hears the story of William Lobdell, the LA Times religious correspondent who became an atheist.
THU 23:30 Fordham and Lipson (b008djbp)
Episode 4
Comedy sketches from Philippa Fordham and Simon Lipson. With Alex Lowe and Laura Shavin.
FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2008
FRI 00:00 Midnight News (b00d3nxj)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b00d3qvm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nxl)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00d3nxn)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00d3nxq)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b00d3nxs)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00d3nxv)
Daily prayer and reflection with Kevin Franz of the Religious Society of Friends.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b00d3nxx)
News and issues in rural Britain, with Melanie Abbot.
FRI 06:00 Today (b00d3nxz)
Presented by Evan Davis and Sarah Montague.
Including:
US Ambassador to Nato Kurt Volker explains why he thinks Vladimir Putin believes that the US provoked the conflict in Georgia.
Prof James Galbraith of Harvard University discusses the US economic situation.
Child protection expert Donald Findlater explains how drugs can be used to treat sex offenders.
Olga Kavran, spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office at the International War Crimes Tribunal, discusses the trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic.
North America editor Justin Webb explains what it was like to be among the huge crowd that watched Barack Obama's acceptance speech.
Thought for the Day with Canon David Winter.
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham outlines a scheme to give children five hours of sport a week.
James Naughtie reports from the Democratic Party convention in Denver.
Prof Kenneth Newport and Dr Philip Ashton discuss the decoding of the 270-year-old diary of Charles Wesley.
Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire and Preethi Manuel, who cares for her 21-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy, discuss carers' benefits.
Mike Thomson hears the stories of two young orphans in Juba who lost their parents in the war in Sudan.
Women's PGA founder Vivien Saunders and sports journalist Graham Spiers debate the new LPGA rule stipulating that players who cannot communicate in English will be suspended.
Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Liberal Party leader David Steel discuss the challenges facing Senator Barack Obama if he becomes president.
FRI 09:00 The Reunion (b00d3k0t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b00d3qvp)
Sissinghurst: An Unfinished History
The Way Forward
Adam Nicolson reads from his account of Sissinghurst, one of Britain's most celebrated gardens, purchased by his grandparents Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in 1932.
Adam must now convince the people who work at Sissinghurst to back his plans to return the estate to the working landscape he knew as a boy.
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00d3rsn)
The Joy of Sex updated; Henrietta Herbert
Susan Quilliam and Brett Kahr discuss the challenges of updating The Joy of Sex. Plus malnutrition rates among Malawian children, and the treasure collection of Henrietta Herbert.
FRI 11:00 Journey of a Lifetime (b00d4611)
2008: Emily Ainsworth
The latest winner of the BBC/Royal Geographical Society's annual competition for travellers who want to fulfil their dream journey to the back of beyond.
Emily Ainsworth takes a dream trip to perform with a family circus in Mexico.
FRI 11:30 Deep Trouble (b00sjp2s)
Series 1
Episode 2
The US Navy's special Seals force causes excitement aboard nuclear submarine Goliath. Stars Jim Field Smith. From October 2005.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b00d3st4)
Presented by Liz Barclay and Peter White.
Including:
How can consumers cut monthly bills by haggling for the best price on the UK high street? Mike Duran reports.
A new website is allowing fans to invest financially as well as emotionally in hotly-tipped new artists and help them to record their first albums. But will such alternatives to the traditional record label really change the music industry?
Simon Calder talks about the fallout from the collapse of Zoom airlines.
A report on the burgeoning private space industry as Virgin Galactic gears up for its first flight tests into orbit this autumn. An eager trainee has signed up for one of the first flights.
BBC reporter Chris Jeavans discusses what she has learned at the end of her month-long experiment of living without plastic. Plus a report on new biodegradable plastic products.
Rogue scrap merchants are exploiting a legal loophole and dismantling more than an estimated one million cars every year in defiance of strict EU environmental rules. Anthony Baxter reports.
Clavell Tower in Dorset is opening its doors today, 25 metres from its original location. With Peter Pearce, Director of the Landmark Trust.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b00d3st6)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b00d3st8)
National and international news with Shaun Ley.
FRI 13:30 For One Night Only (b00d56bh)
Series 4
Bernstein in Berlin
On Christmas Day 1989, six weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Leonard Bernstein conducted a band of musicians and singers from East and West in a celebratory performance of Beethoven's Choral Symphony.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b00d4g0k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b00770wy)
From Abstraction
By Robert Thorogood.
Paul is young, rich and in love. So why does he lock himself in the library and refuse to open the door to anyone? But he cannot lock everyone out, and his strange and disconcerting nocturnal visitors help him to make the most important decision of his life.
Paul Wolfskehl ......Daniel Evans
Stefan ...... Andrew Mayer
Infinity ...... Emma Fielding
Clara/Johanna ...... Francesca Dymond
Otto/Joseph ...... Steven McNicol
Fermat ...... Roger Allam
Friedrich (Doctor) ...... Sam Parks
Directed by Ellen Dryden.
FRI 15:00 Costing the Earth (b00d51mk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Thursday]
FRI 15:30 Opening Lines (b00d4f0q)
Series 10
After Oxford
Series showcasing cutting-edge contemporary writing.
In Phil Robinson's story, a man revisits the city where he fell in love with his wife. Alone now, he searches for traces of her in every aspect of the place.
Read by Tom Goodman-Hill.
FRI 15:45 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007nthw)
Series 1
Episode 5
Brett Westwood presents an entertaining and practical guide in a series recorded in a Somerset garden. He is joined by keen bird watcher Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson.
They identify some of the birds which like to nest on and around our homes, including house sparrows and house martins.
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b00d56bk)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died. The programme reflects on people of distinction and interest from many walks of life, some famous and some less well known.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b00d56bm)
Romola Garai and Francois Ozon, the star and director of Angel discuss their adaptation of Elizabeth Taylor's thinly veiled parody of the Victorian best-selling author Marie Corelli.
Satyajit Ray's biographer Andrew Robinson reviews Charulata, the director's own favourite from his CV.
Gerry Anderson, the brains behind Thunderbirds talks about his live action movie Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, a cult sci-fi work from 1969.
FRI 16:56 1968 Day by Day (b00d4fdq)
29th August 1968
John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The former ambassador to Czechoslovakia tells of his lucky escape from a Russian tank.
FRI 17:00 PM (b00d4fds)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00d4fdv)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.
FRI 18:30 Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive (b00d56bp)
Series 4
Episode 3
Comedic judge Armando Iannucci presides at clown court, with Phill Jupitus, Dara O Briain and David Mitchell. From August 2008.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b00d4g0r)
It's the day of the church wedding. Chris notices that Joe's trap is being pulled by one of Shula's stable ponies. Ruth remarks to herself what a kind gesture this is.
Nervous Alan and Usha exchange vows in a moving ceremony, but afterwards Usha's horrified to learn that her father will be making a speech rather than Shiv, as expected. She begs Alan not to take anything Dr Gupta says personally. Her fears prove to be unfounded, however, when he describes his new son-in-law as an exceptional man.
Usha observes later that her father surprised her. Alan doubts whether Mabel will ever change her way of thinking. He'll just have to resign himself to it.
Rachel congratulates Neil on his best man's speech, and is pleased at the news that the Ambridge post office is safe from closure. Ruth remarks that Susan should get a lot of the business from Penny Hassett. Dr Gupta's puzzled by the sight of Lynda kneeling on the green, taking photographs; she's got some close-ups of him too. Neil realises it's for the photography category of the Flower and Produce Show.
Alan and Usha leave in a flurry of goodbyes, and no-one's sure who caught the bouquet.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b00d4g0t)
Presented by Kirsty Lang.
Including:
The Reign of Terror during the French Revolution is the focus of poet Glyn Maxwell's new verse drama Liberty at the Globe Theatre in London. The writer discusses his fascination with 18th-century France and its protagonists Robespierre, Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.
Gina McKee and Jeremy Northam star in a one-off TV drama Fiona's Story, which follows a woman's fight to hold her family together after her husband is accused of downloading indecent images of children from the internet. Anne McElvoy of the London Evening Standard reviews the programme.
Kirsty talks to British artist Roger Hiorns about his peice called Seizure, the result of pouring 90,000 litres of copper sulphate solution into a London bedsit.
Award-winning Norwegian author and journalist Linn Ullmann, daughter of Liv Ullmann and Ingmar Bergman, talks about her new book A Blessed Child, a story of sisterhood and the inescapable memories of childhood. She discusses how ballet and cinema influence her writing, why she prefers to write in her mother tongue and why she rejects the idea of the classical ending.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00d4g0w)
Doris Lessing - The Golden Notebook
Episode 5
Doris Lessing's twentieth-century classic, dramatised by Sarah Daniels.
Anna is bombarded by her friends' problems as she continues to struggle with her own. Then Tommy takes dramatic action that shocks them all.
Anna ...... Susannah Harker
Molly ...... Fenella Woolgar
Dick ...... Marc Parry
Tommy ...... Adam Paulden
Marion ...... Julia Rounthwaite
Janet ...... Ellie Sager
Directed by Polly Thomas.
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b00d56br)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the topical debate from Maidenhead, Berks.
Panellists include former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens, Lib Dem peer Baroness Tonge and Local Government Association chairman Simon Milton.
FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b00d56bt)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Katharine Whitehorn.
FRI 21:00 Friday Drama (b00d4613)
They Have Oak Trees in North Carolina
They Have Oak Trees in North Carolina
by Sarah Wooley
1986; Ray and Eileen's five year old son, Patrick, vanishes in Florida.
22 years later; Clay, a good-looking American arrives in their small village claiming to be their missing son.
A suspenseful drama about a marriage in crisis, a split-second decision and the choices we make to try to ensure our future happiness.
Ray ...... Alexander Morton
Eileen ...... Ellie Haddington
Clay ...... Simon Harrison
Other parts played by Kenny Blyth and Gayanne Potter
Producer/DirectorGaynor Macfarlane.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b00d4jjt)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b00d4jjw)
National and international news and analysis with Ritula Shah.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00d5ywn)
Perfect Night
Episode 5
Jamie Glover reads from Peter Grimsdale's political thriller. Nick has tracked down the man who sent him on his last fateful job, but other forces are on the same trail.
FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b00d44xq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:30 Potting On (b00l3pxx)
Wedding
Invited to a big wedding, Pam wants to buy a big hat to wear and a big present for the bride and groom.
But Gordon’s got a severe pain in his wallet...
Sitcom about a couple at odds over running a garden centre and growing older.
Starring Pam Ayres as Pam and Geoffrey Whitehead as Gordon.
Written by Chris Thompson and Peter Reynolds with Pam Ayres.
With Trevor Bannister, Karl Theobald, Alex Tregear and Jemma Churchill.
Sitcom by Chris Thompson and Peter Reynolds.
Producer Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.